Think Positive - Student Mental Health 1 Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Learning and Teaching Conference 2014 September 2014

What is mental health? “A state of wellbeing in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” World Health Organisation,

Mental health problems “Mental health problems can range from the worries and grief we all experience as part of everyday life, to the most bleak suicidal depression or complete loss of touch with everyday reality.” Mental Health Foundation 3

Stigma and Discrimination Stigma: Assumptions about how mental health problems will affect someone's behaviour, making it more likely that they will be singled out, or labelled as different, dangerous or weird. Discrimination: Treating someone differently from how we treat others because of their mental health, whether consciously or subconsciously. 4

Stigma and Discrimination Worsen mental health problems Delay in seeking help/treatment and recovery Lower attainment in studies Leaving course early Unemployment Relationship breakdown Poor housing Social isolation Poorer physical health …… 5

Students Experiences Comments including: “you are choosing to be unwell”, “it would be better if you dropped out of your course”, “if you can’t handle this how will you handle a career in x”, “you shouldn't be absent from college, it’s all in your head” Lecturers belittling a student’s condition as 'natural nerves' or 'over-reacting‘ Lots of paperwork to fill in to “prove” illness Having to pay over £200 for resits despite submitting medical evidence Modules marked as failed for not attending despite producing evidence of therapy appointments and being told it was ok. Not being granted extensions despite good reason and evidence 6

Students Experiences The impact: Having to argue was exhausting on top of illness Increased self stigma Feeling demoralised & humiliated Worsened mental illness Headaches, stomach cramps, stress “Made me feel even weaker than I already felt” Leaving university and not feeling able to return in future Too embarrassed to go back to classes Financial pressure from paying for exams Doing badly in modules Feeling their illness was a personal weakness Stress of not being able to complete work on time, not being allowed an extension 7

Stigma and Discrimination This is why everyone needs to be involved in tackling discrimination. What policies, procedures, services, behaviours etc. mean students with mental ill health may be unfairly treated? How can you change this? 8

Recognising Distress Changes in: Appearance Motivation Performance Mood Behaviour 9 Feeling: Hopeless Helpless Despair Withdrawing and becoming isolated

Responding to distress Express your concern – it is ok to ask! Listen – but avoid problem solving Stay calm – or act calm even if you don’t feel it Validate their feelings/ experiences – it is real to them even if you know it might be inaccurate or irrational Signpost – know where to direct them for help Let them know it is ok to talk Self-care after the event is important Recovery is possible and likely 10

Sources of support and help Where can you direct students (and staff) for support and help? Self help On campus Local National International Online Others? 11

Final Questions…?